Abstract: Disclosed in embodiments herein is a method of synthesizing device forming monomers using N-(Vinyloxycarbonyloxy)succinimide.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing a molded lens from a deformable mold includes a shear ring for temporarily retaining an annular portion of the deformable mold outside a periphery of the lens and a plunger for deforming an annular section of the deformable mold within the periphery of the lens. The apparatus can be employed to release a non-hydrated hydrogel lens from a deformable mold section.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a process for extracting pre-polymer from a polymer lens. The process of one embodiment comprises the step of contacting the ophthalmic lens with a super-cooled solvent for a period of time sufficient to extract pre-polymer from the polymer lens.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for extracting pre-polymer from a polymer lens. The process comprises the step of contacting the lens with a super-cooled solvent for a period of time to increase the modulus of the contact lens. Thereafter the contact lens undergoes additional dry processing steps. By way of example, the dry processing steps include but are not limited to surface treatment, lens coating and polishing and/or edging of the contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for cleaning a mold or mold half comprising contacting the mold or mold half with a super-cooled fluid under conditions effective to clean the mold or mold half.

Abstract: The present invention includes without limitation a process for separating a hydrogel contact lens from at least one mold half selected from the group comprising the anterior half and the posterior half of a contact lens. The process comprising the step of contacting either the contact lens or the one half with a maximum of about 1000 ?l of a super-cooled fluid to create a temperature differential between the contact lens and the one half.

Abstract: Disclosed in embodiments herein is a method of synthesizing device forming monomers using N-(Vinyloxycarbonyloxy)succinimide.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for extracting pre-polymer from a polymer lens. The process comprises the step of contacting the lens with a super-cooled solvent for a period of time sufficient to extract pre-polymer from the polymer lens.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for cleaning an optical tool for manufacturing contact lens molds comprising contacting the optical tool with a super-cooled fluid under conditions effective to clean the optical tool.

Abstract: A method involves providing a monomer mixture comprising a biomedical device-forming monomer and a UV absorbing agent; and exposing the monomer mixture to an electron beam to cure the monomer mixture.

Abstract: A method of extracting residual materials from a polymeric, ophthalmic biomedical device, such as a contact lens, by using a mixture comprised of a primary solvent, such as carbon dioxide, and a polar co-solvent, such as isopropanol: By exposing the device to the co-solvent, the device expands. By pulsing or varying the concentration of the polar co-solvent in the mixture, the lens dimensions vary accordingly. When the lens is extracted while retained in a mold, the changes in lens dimensions causes the lens to be released from the mold.

Abstract: A process for treating biomedical devices, especially contact lenses, involves contacting polymeric devices containing extractables with a solvent that dissolves and removes the extractables from the devices. The devices are subjected to at least two treatments with solvent to remove extractables in the devices. One of the treatment steps involves solvent used as a final rinse for a prior batch of devices. The solvent may be circulated through a series of tanks, in which case the devices are first extracted in the downstream tanks, followed by extraction in the first tank containing fresh incoming solvent.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a medical device, such as an ophthalmic lens. The method involves contacting a surface of the medical device with a surface modifying agent in the presence of supercritical fluid. The device may be constructed of materials such as hydrogel copolymers and silicone materials.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the amount of cosmetic defects in contact lenses made from hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers. By filtering the monomer mixture with a filter, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic components are finely dispersed throughout the mixture. Dissolved gases contained within the mixture are also finely dispersed. Contact lenses produced from this method have improved optical quality.